Cristiano Ronaldo signed a new contract with Al-Nassr last summer, but there continues to be speculation over his future
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA - JANUARY 26: Cristiano Ronaldo of team Al-Nassr FC during the Saudi Pro League game between Al Nassr and Al Taawoun at Al Awwal Park on January 26, 2026 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Abdullah Ahmed/Getty Images)
Cristiano Ronaldo during Al Nassr vs Al Taawoun(Image: Abdullah Ahmed, Getty Images)
View 2 Images
Cristiano Ronaldo's future in Saudi Arabia has come under scrutiny despite him returning to action after an Al Nassr 'strike'. The 41-year-old has confirmed his commitment to remaining in the country and scored for fun after sitting out back-to-back games, although the phrasing of his recent remarks - reinforcing ties to Saudi Arabia but not specifically to Al Nassr - has prompted speculation about whether he might consider a switch to a Saudi Pro League rival.
Ronaldo arrived at Al Nassr halfway through the 2022/23 campaign following a breakdown in his relationship with Manchester United. He extended his contract last summer, with a new deal said to be worth £492million, though frustrations regarding the club's broader investment emerged this season.
Al Nassr began the season as early pacesetters in the Saudi Pro League title race. A spell of one point from four matches saw their lead at the top slip, but they have since reclaimed first place after recording nine successive wins from mid-January onwards to add to their 10 on the bounce at the start of the campaign.
Their 21-goal top scorer sat out two of those victories, against Al Riyadh and Al Ittihad in early February, after refusing to play. He was said to be unhappy with the Public Investment Fund (PIF), which oversees Al Nassr, Al Hilal and Al Ittihad, greenlighting Karim Benzema's transfer between Al Nassr's two rivals.
Ensure our latest sport headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as Preferred Source in your Google search settings
Since his return, Ronaldo has been in top form with four goals and one assist in three matches. However, his comment, "I belong to Saudi Arabia" - naming the country rather than Al Nassr specifically, which could be read as him opening the door to a potential move to another Saudi outfit.
This is a move his fellow former Ballon d'Or winner Benzema made this winter. The Frenchman scored a hat-trick on his Al Hilal debut but hasn't found the back of the net since and was absent from his club's most recent match through injury.
BURAYDAH, SAUDI ARABIA - FEBRUARY 25: Cristiano Ronaldo of Al Nassr warming up prior the Saudi Pro League match between Al Najmah and Al Nassr at King Abdullah Sport City Stadium on February 25, 2026 in Buraydah, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)
Ronaldo has returned to club action after sitting out two games in early February(Image: Yasser Bakhsh, Getty Images)
View 2 Images
Just three points separate Al Nassr and Al Hilal with 11 fixtures remaining this season, whilst Al Ahli are sandwiched between them in second place. Ronaldo is still in search of his first Saudi Pro League title after finishing second twice in his initial two seasons and only achieving third place last year.
Jorge Jesus is currently at the helm of Al Nassr, having previously denied them the title in the 2023/24 season when he managed Al Hilal. If this season doesn't culminate with the team in pole position, there may be conjecture about Ronaldo's future plans.
"As I say so many times, I belong to Saudi Arabia," Ronaldo told Thmanyah Sports this month, emphasising his contentment in his new home. "It's a country that welcomed very well to me and my family and my friends.
"I'm happy here. I want to continue here. And the most important, it's we keep pushing. We are there in the top. Our job is to win, make pressure [on our title rivals], and let's see.
"We are on track. We're back; we are good; we are confident. Game by game. We are in a good shape. Let's see what's going to happen."